The Town of Kwinana has revealed its artistic vision for the Kwinana community after the launch of a Public Art Master plan during the unveiling of the new "Flare" structure yesterday evening.
The Town of Kwinana Public Art Master Plan, which was adopted at the 14 September Kwinana Council meeting, outlines a strategy for the development and introduction of public art in Kwinana and identifies a list of locations throughout the Town which could potentially house artwork in the future.
The Town launched the plan on October 4, during the unveiling of the new 12m high "Flare" artwork, located at the corner of Thomas and Rockingham Road.
Jointly funded by the Town of Kwinana and the State Government through the Rockingham Kwinana Development Office, "Flare" symbolises the energy of the industrial area and relates to the Kwinana flame at the BP refinery.
Town of Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams, who accompanied John Day MLA and Phil Edman MLC to launch the plan and unveil "Flare", pointed out the need to provide benefit to both residents and industry.
“Businesses in the Kwinana Industrial Area contribute millions of dollars in rates and help Kwinana deliver crucial community facilities. For this reason it is essential that we provide the industrial area with much deserved attention and beautification,” Cr Adams said.
Cr Adams said council would focus on the artistic, historical and cultural development of the entire Kwinana community.
“It is important that, as Kwinana matures into a modern and contemporary city, we ensure a cultural and artistic identify grows with it.”
“The Public Art Master Plan provides a platform and a set of guidelines for the establishment of artwork structures and through our "Percent for Artwork" policy we will ensure future projects take into consideration the need for public artwork.”
Cr Adams said the combination of government, developer and council funding would mean the Town could introduce an array of evocative artworks that would help Kwinana become a more visually inspiring area.
“The Town is committed to promoting a friendly and sociable community and public art is an ideal social stimulator. We look forward to working collaboratively with the State and Federal Governments as well as developers to deliver a wealth of artistic flavour to Kwinana.”
“Art has the distinct ability to inspire discussion and to promote creativity and we want our residents and our visitors to experience these feelings as they explore our community,” Cr Adams concluded.